How to Host a School Open House
Tips for Teachers on Introducing Parents to You and Your Classroom
Oct 30, 2008
Make your open house successful by understanding the school’s format and expectations for teachers during this important time. There are three main types of open houses. Find out which type your school is hosting, and then prepare for that format.
Introductory Group Open House
This type of open house is held in the first few weeks of school. You will be meeting groups of parents for a limited amount of time. Since clear feedback hasn’t accumulated yet, the school only expects you to introduce yourself and your classroom to parents. You are not expected to give parents specific information on their children. You can offer to schedule meetings with parents who have concerns. Often saying that a child is doing “fine” is enough for parents without having to give specific grade information.
Instead, prepare a speech that includes your educational background, your classroom expectations, curriculum, discipline, and grading policies. Parents usually follow the students’ schedules in the middle and secondary levels, so you may only have ten minutes with each group of parents. Time your speech, and always prepare more than enough to say.
“Waiting Line" Open House
This type of open house is held in the first few months of school, often near the end of the first grading quarter. Parents arrive on a first-come, first-served basis and wait outside your classroom door to discuss their child and your classroom expectations, curriculum, discipline, and grading policies.
This form of open house is more informative and student-centered. Provide parents with specific information on their child’s progress. Have printed progress reports ready for easy access to grades. The teacher must set the pace and timing of each meeting. Limit each meeting to five to ten minutes. Apologize for cutting meetings short, and point out you must give all parents time to speak with you.
Scheduled Appointments Open House
This type of open house is similar to the prior format, but rather than lining up outside of your door, parents sign up for appointment times in set intervals and are free to roam the building until their time slot.
This form of open house also provides parents with specific information on their child’s progress as well as your policies. Remember to follow the appointment schedule and check for updates; once you get off time it is almost impossible to get back on track. End meetings by saying that’s all the time you have today, but if they’d like to schedule another meeting with you, they should call.
Additional Tips for All Open House Formats
Make a good first impression by dressing your best. If you are a floater, be sure parents are clear where you will be located. Prior to open house, ask students if their parents are coming; then you'll have a rough estimate how many photocopies to make. Provide parents with copies of introductory sheets, policies, curriculum, and your contact information.
Keep a sign-in sheet outside your door on an empty desk, and ask parents to provide their contact information, especially email addresses.
Have visible samples of student work available for parents. Also, provide copies of textbooks for perusal.
If you have a large total number of students, and you are worried about matching all the names and faces, make seating charts with digital photos of each student. During open house, ask parents which period their child has with you, flip to that seating chart, and their child’s face will help you recall accurate information.
Above all, make your open house memorable by showing your professionalism and willingness to make this a successful year for these children.
Before your first open house, read How To Handle Difficult Parents for specific strategies in dealing with problem parents.
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